Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry includes the routine care that stops dental problems before they start, such as exams, cleanings, oral cancer screenings, and treatment for teeth grinding and gum disease. Oxford Smiles in Marlborough recommends checkups every six months to catch issues early, when treatment is simpler and less costly.
Preventative dentistry is a proactive branch of dental care that focuses on preventing oral health concerns and the early intervention of potential dental issues. Rather than wait until a dental issue develops, preventative dentistry encompasses an array of dental procedures and education to help patients maintain their oral health, mitigating the risk of problems.
Preventive Dentistry Services
- Dental Exams: Our Dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth. This exam is to proactively look for signs of gum disease or other dental problems.
- Dental Cleanings: A dentist or a dental hygienist will perform your routine teeth cleaning by removing built-up plaque and tartar, flossing, and polishing your teeth. Regular cleaning prevents gum diseases, cavities, bad breath, and other dental problems. You should schedule regular cleanings at least twice a year.
- Digital X-rays: Dentists use X-rays to diagnose dental diseases that cannot be seen with the naked eye or instruments. X-rays help to determine what is going on beneath the tooth surface and the state of jaw health
- Periodontal care: Healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth. We provide preventive treatments and therapies to stop gum disease in its tracks and keep your gums strong and disease-free.
Oral Cancer Screening
Dentists are often the first health professionals to notice the signs of oral cancer, which can appear inside the mouth and throat or on the tonsils and tongue. Dental checkups can save your life by detecting oral cancer early. That’s one more good reason to see your dentist regularly for a thorough dental exam.
Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning is part of an annual dental check-up, which needs to be made at least once, if not twice, a year. Even if you feel that your teeth are clean, it really is necessary for a dental professional to perform a thorough examination in order to be sure as the beginning stages of gum disease are often hard to detect.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is especially helpful if you’re at high risk of developing dental caries, or cavities. Cavities occur when bacteria build up on teeth and gums and form a sticky layer of plaque. Plaque produces an acid that erodes teeth and gum tissue. If the plaque breaks down the enamel layer, bacteria can infect and harm the nerves and blood at the core of the tooth. Fluoride benefits both children and adults.
Occlusal Guard
The term “occlusal” refers to the surfaces of your teeth that are used for chewing. When you are damaging those surfaces by clenching or grinding your teeth. It helps prevent damage to your teeth that can be caused by grinding and clenching. Occlusal guards can also help alleviate the symptoms associated with bruxism, including jaw pain, head and neck muscle pain, tooth wear and fracture, tooth sensitivity.
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Want to boost your oral health and keep your smile bright and healthy? Call us now and we’ll schedule an appointment for your visit!
Call us today at (508) 290-8714 or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment.
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We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only within Marlborough
but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
We Accept Most & Insurance Plans
We strive to make dental care affordable and accessible for all our patients. That's why we accept most major insurances, and will work with you to help you understand your plan and maximize your benefits. If you have questions about insurance, or anything at all, give us a call to speak with one of our friendly insurance experts. Don't see your insurance listed? Give us a call on (508) 290-8714, and we'll walk you through all your options!
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Flexible financing & membership plans available
We offer Quality Membership Plans along with flexible financing options through LendingClub, Sunbit, and CareCredit. Quality dental care is an investment in your health and happiness and we believe the cost of treatment should never stand in the way of your ideal smile. That's why we partner with trusted healthcare lenders, allowing you to create personalized payment plans that fit your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oxford Smiles preventive services include comprehensive exams, professional cleanings, digital X-rays, oral cancer screenings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, bruxism nightguards, scaling and root planning (deep cleaning), and personalized.
A professional cleaning costs a fraction of a single crown or root canal. Catching a cavity when it is small (1-surface filling) vs. large (crown) can tooth. Insurance plans heavily favor preventive care - most cover cleanings and exams at 100% - because prevention is cost-effective for everyone.
At birth, starting with a caregiver wiping the gums after feedings to prevent bacterial colonization. First dental visits should occur by age one. Sealants are applied around age 6–7 when the first permanent molars erupt. Preventive care is a lifelong investment.
Brush for two minutes twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, floss once daily, use an antiseptic or fluoride mouthwash, and drink fluoridated tap water. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months and avoid sugary drinks between meals. Small habits add up to enormous long-term oral health benefits.
Yes. Dr. Mehta and the hygiene team assess your individual risk factors at every visit - cavity history, diet, saliva quality, oral hygiene technique - and provide customized advice, prescription-strength products if needed, and adjusted recall intervals tailored to your specific needs.
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We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only within Marlborough but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
- Marlborough
- Auburn
- Maynard
- Bolton
- Hudson
- Framingham
- Westborough
- Shrewsbury
- Northborough
- Southborough
- Hopkinton
- Ashland